Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the series showcases a direct link to The Shining through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. And it's that very institution that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.
Though it is known he did not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
